Offensive Struggles Drop Oklahoma City

The Vipers were in control for the majority of the game, but the Blue went on a 12-2 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to cut its deficit to nine points. Josh Huestis scored nine of Oklahoma City’s points in that sequence, but Rio Grande Valley pushed its lead back up to double digits.

Huestis, on assignment from the Thunder, tallied 19 points and seven rebounds. Eleven of his points came in the fourth quarter, as Oklahoma City scored 34 points in the period.

Oklahoma City struggled offensively to open the game, making its first field goal on a layup from Daniel Hamilton with 6:14 left in the first quarter. The Blue rallied and tied the game at 16-all before the Vipers closed out the quarter on a 9-4 run.

“I thought they were the aggressor right off the bat,” Head Coach Mark Daigneault said. “They threw the first punch and they kept punching all night. We need to learn what we can and be the more ready team to play on Wednesday.”

Hamilton tallied five points, six rebounds and six assists. Oklahoma City was led offensively by Reggie Williams’ 20 points, while Dakari Johnson turned in his fourth double-double in the postseason with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Blue and the Vipers will face off in a decisive Game 3 on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU.